Ysgol Friars in Bangor has appointed Margaret Davies as its new permanent headteacher.

She was named the secondary school's interim headteacher last Easter following the conviction of padeophile Neil Foden.

Cyngor Gwynedd said Mrs Davies had brought "stability" and "a positive new direction" since being seconded from St Christopher's Special School in Wrexham.

She was named permanent head at a school governors' meeting earlier this month.

Mrs Davies said: "I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with pupils, families, staff, the governing body and the whole school community. Together, we will foster a culture of high achievement, inclusivity and respect, where every student is inspired to succeed."

Cllr Elin Walker Jones, chair of the governors at Ysgol Friars, added: "We congratulate Mrs Davies on her appointment, and very much look forward to continuing to work with her to build on the solid foundations that have already been in place since her arrival at the school, for the benefit of pupils, staff and the whole school community."

Cllr Dewi Jones, cabinet member for education, said: "I very much welcome this news, it has been a pleasure to work with Margaret over the last few months and I look forward to continuing the positive relationship."

"This is the beginning of a new chapter for the school and I'm sure everyone will join me in wishing Margaret every success as she continues to lead the school with a clear focus on the well-being, safety and development of everyone in the school community."

Neil Foden was headteacher of Ysgol Friars between 1997 and 2023 - he is currently serving 17 years in prison for sexually abusing four young girls between 2019 and 2023.

Last November, a report revealed there were 52 opportunities to stop the disgraced ex-headteacher and highlighted "major weaknesses" in safeguarding from the school, its governors and Cyngor Gwynedd.